LA Rams training camp: Breaking down reports using the traffic light method

Red light: Stop

Every fan loves to hear and read positive developments from training camp. That is especially so for Rams fans, as a significant portion of the Rams roster is made up of rookies or newly signed free agents. But the truth is that the early days of training camp are nothing like football.

Players in helmets, cleats, shorts, and tee shirts are learning the plays. While it's a necessary step to any and all NFL training camps, it's simply not professional football. There are no pads. There is no contact. There are no huge bodied offensive linemen to block a quarterback's vision. And there are no big pass rushers bearing down on the quarterback.

Players making plays

Great throws and catches happen under those circumstances. But in retrospect, they really ought to happen under those circumstances, right?

Red light information is not intended to be the type of information that you use exclusively to set your personally projected Rams depth chart. It's simply the feel good stuff that you can use to familiarize yourself with players, positions, and relatives skillsets. Think of it as confirming the information that you've read in a players draft profile.

But let's step back a moment and frame the information. Is this about a depth player or starter? Is this about a football play (11 on 11 in pads) or a practice play (tee shirt and shorts)? In the end, its great to get great news about young players. But the reality is that it won't change where those players fall on the depth chart.